Bihar,Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Nepal mainly celebrate the auspicious four-day Chhath Puja festival with great fanfare.
Learn everything there is to know about the dates, origins, importance, and festivities surrounding this four-day Chhath festival.
Date
Four days are dedicated to this grand celebration of folk faith
• It spends its first day eating and taking baths. The 17th of November is Nahay-Khay this year
•Day two of Chhath Puja is called Kharna. The date of Kharna is November 18 this yr
•The third day of Chhath Puja is dedicated to evening arghya. This is the day on which the Chhath festival is primarily worshipped. Arghya is offered to the setting sun on this day by devotees who gather at the Ghat. This year, on November 19, there will be an evening Arghya of Chhath Puja
•The final day of Chhath Mahaparva is Saptami Tithi, which falls on day four,thus yr it is on 20th Nov.Arghya is offered to the rising sun on this day, and the fast is broken.
History
The mythological stories tell when the worship of the Sun began and when Chhath Puja began. Surya was worshipped by Lord Shri Ram in Satyayuga, the charitable Karna in Dwapar, and Draupadi, the five Pandavas wife. King Priyavand is credited as being the first to worship Chhathi Maiya in a legend about her worship.
The origins and legends of Chhath Puja and Surya worship.
1>King Priyavand revived his son with the Chhath Puja. A legend states that King Priyavand suffered from childlessness. He discussed it with Maharishi Kashyap. Next, in order to have a child, Maharishi Kashyap performed Putreshti Yagya. Malini, the wife of King Priyavand, was served the kheer that had been prepared for the yagya during that period. After eating the Yagya’s kheer, Queen Malini gave birth to a son, but he was born dead. After carrying his dead son’s body to the crematorium, King Priyavand gave his own life in sorrow for his son’s passing.Simultaneously, Brahma’s daughter Devasena made her appearance. He addressed King Priyavand, saying, “My name is also Shashthi because I come from the sixth aspect of the fundamental nature of the universe.” You glorify me and share it with everyone. King Priyavand followed Mata Shashthi’s instructions and fasted on Shashthi of Shukla Paksha in the Kartik month in order to fulfill his wish to become a father. King Priyavad consequently had a son.
2> Sita and Shri Ram adored Surya In accordance with the legend, Lord Shri Ram and Mother Sita worshipped the Sun God and kept a fast on the Shashthi of Shukla Paksha of the Kartik month to establish the Ramrajya after defeating the Lankan king Ravana and traveling to Ayodhya.
3>Draupadi had kept the Pandavas’ Chhath fast observed. The start of the Chhath fast is associated with Draupadi in mythology. The five Pandavas were granted better health and a happy life because of Draupadi’s Chhath fast and Sun worship, which also helped the Pandavas reclaim their lost kingdom.
4> Danveer Karna began to revere Surya Dev Danveer Karna, who regularly worshipped Surya, was said to be the son of Surya in the Mahabharata. Karna is said to have been the first to begin worshiping the Sun. He used to go to the river every day after taking a bath and give water to the Sun.ImportanceIn addition to the religious significance of giving thanks to the Sun for a good life, the rituals of these festivals have scientific significance. There is a reason why the rituals require standing or praying by the river for extended periods of time. The sun’s rays are most beneficial at sunrise and sunset because these are the times when their ultraviolet rays are at their lowest. Then, by eliminating all negative energy, these sun rays aid in detoxifying the body, mind, and soul.FestivityIt’s observed throughout India in different regions. It is celebrated with much fanfare and spectacle in each state. Soon after the third day of Diwali, or “bhaidooj,” markets are crowded with people shopping for chath. Kids don brand-new attire and have a great time at the celebration. Every home prepares special food items for the main Puja ritual.
For Poojan, a snack called “Thekua” is crucial. Ahead of the festival, the city markets are bustling with people swarming multiple stores. In several locations throughout the city, improvised stands offering cane baskets, soop, flowers, God idols, and other puja items have appeared.